Puppy Socialisation

Do you want your puppy to grow up into a confident, resilient and well adjusted dog? My Puppy Socialisation Classes have been designed to give you a boost towards achieving this! While there are many different aspects to consider when it comes to raising your puppy, correct socialisation is one of the most important factors that’s also easy to get wrong.

This is why I believe having professional guidance during this time is key to making the most of this small window in your puppy’s development.

Take A Look!

What is it?

Puppy Socialisation - a term with a whole heap of importance, as well as a lot of misunderstanding. It’s not all about meeting lots of dogs, but rather it’s a time in a puppy’s development where they are learning everything about the world around them - including what is scary and what isn’t.

This is called the Sensitive Period for Socialisation (SPS) and it lasts from 3 weeks old to around 14-16 weeks old (breed depending). By the time your puppy arrives home, you will only have a few weeks of this period left, before their brains are less ‘sponge-like’ when it comes to new experiences, so approaching it in the right way is key! 

My Puppy Socialisation Classes offer professionally guided opportunities to gently and safely expose your puppy to many different sights, smells, sounds and experiences, along with other puppies of a similar age. You’ll be coached on how to help your puppy build their confidence, what to do when your puppy seems uncertain or fearful of an experience and how to tackle some common challenges that come with getting your puppy out and about in the world. 

How Classes Work
Prices & FAQs
A puppy with long ears and a dark coat sniffs a colorful play area in an indoor children's playroom.

How My Classes Work

Each week is different, from the activities provided to the personalities of the puppies that attend. My sessions are held indoors with opportunities for some outdoor activities when the weather and seasons allow, while the dog-friendly venue benefits from on-site parking (free after 6pm), wheelchair accessibility and on-site toilets.  

A puppy climbing a small wooden ramp or platform, held by a red leash, with a yellow mat underneath in a room with wooden flooring and white walls.

While activities will vary class to class and will depend on the temperament of the puppies in attendance, sessions can include:

  • Confidence Courses

  • Sensory Activities

  • Polite Puppy Greetings

  • Structured Exposure Opportunities (to common and not-so-common triggers such as vacuums, mobility aids, hi-vis and uniforms etc.)

  • Human & Puppy Play

  • Structured Puppy to Puppy Play

  • Positive Handling Introduction for Grooming & Vet Visit preparation

  • Bite-Size Training Opportunities

  • General Puppy Advice

  • & much more

To find out more about my class venue, click here!

A small black curly-haired dog investigating a mound of metallic bowls and cups on a yellow floor in an indoor room.

How Much Do Sessions Cost?

PRICES & FAQs
  • A happy Australian Shepherd dog with a tricolor coat sitting on a pebble beach by the water.

    "Sully has come on so much since we first attended training."

    I can’t recommend Heather at Wildshaped enough. The experience has been absolutely amazing from start to finish, and Heather is truly brilliant at what she does.

    Sully has come on so much since we first attended training. When we first started, he was so nervous and didn’t want to through the doors,but now he can’t wait to get in!
    Heather has such a calm, understanding approach with the dogs and us owners. She takes the time to explain everything clearly and makes the sessions enjoyable while still being incredibly effective.

    Her training methods are positive, practical, and easy to continue at home, which has made a huge difference. Heather has made such a positive impact on both Sully and I, which I am so grateful for. We can’t wait to continue to the next stage as we are now creeping into the terrible teens…

    Thank you again!!!!

    - Bry & Sully

Prices

£24

Single Session

A spot for one (1) puppy and their handler to attend my Puppy Socialisation Classes.

Ready To Start?

BOOK NOW

FAQs

  • Classes are held in the main hall at the Herne Centre in Herne Bay; a modern, fully accessible, dog friendly, community hub.

    There are many facilities available at the centre, including toilets on site. To find out more, click HERE!

  • Puppy Socialisation classes are held on Thursdays at 18:30 (6:30pm) and are approximately 60 minutes long, including breaks for the puppies.

  • There is free parking (after 6pm) at School Lane Car Park, right next to the centre. Directions can be found here.

  • Your puppy is eligible to join us once they have had their second vaccination and can continue to attend sessions until they are 6 months old.

  • While I’m passionate about getting the whole family involved in our classes, I do have some limitations for health and safety reasons:

    I ask that no more than two handlers come along—unless you’ve got our OK in writing ahead of time.

    Kids under 8 can’t join class sessions unless I’ve said it’s okay in writing. If your child is 8 or older, they’re welcome to come with you as long as they stay with you and are well-supervised.

    Only adults (18+) can be the main handler for the puppy.

    I want everyone to have a good experience, so if anyone—adult or child—is being disruptive, unsafe, or making it hard for others to focus, we may ask them to leave the session.

  • Payment will provide you with attendance to the relevant number of classes you have booked.

  • Accessibility for disabilities is vital and something I believe in strongly. Please be sure to let me know of any accommodations you require in advance - you will be prompted to do so during the booking process but if there is anything you forget to include, please email me - and I will do everything I can to ensure these are met.

LEt’s Get Started.

Ready to book on for the puppy fun? Click the link below!

BOOK NOW!

Have any questions that aren’t already answered above or in the booking link? Get in touch!

WhatsApp Me